Ella foresees Black future
Wallaby legend Mark Ella has boldly predicted that Australia are set for another decade of Bledisloe Cup blues.
"We haven't won the Bledisloe Cup for 10 years – and I think it's going to be another 10 years before we get there," Ella said.
Following their defeat in the opening Test in Sydney at the weekend, the Wallabies have to do the unthinkable and defeat the All Blacks at their fortress Eden Park on Saturday to keep this year’s three-Test Bledisloe Cup series alive.
"Rugby to me has been terrific, which makes me cringe a little bit when I watch the current crop,” he said.
"A lot of people in rugby will say that rugby is in crisis – we're not in crisis, we're just having a bad time.
"It's almost like the depression. It's been for three or four years since we've been in depression and we need to get out of it.”
Ella conceded that Australia were unimpressive in the opening Test and questioned coach Robbie Deans’ selection, most notably the omission of Quade Cooper from the matchday 22.
"The performance by the Wallabies against the All Blacks last week wasn't terrific.
"Again, we talked up a good game. It's an interesting side. Two backs on the bench rather than three was always going to pull up a little short.
"Not having Quade Cooper – whether you love him or hate him – at least on the bench he'll give you options and can be the X-factor you need in a game."
"Robbie [Deans] obviously picked a team that was very defensive oriented. [Berrick] Barnes is a steady player at No.10 and obviously plays field position very well.
"But to win a game you've got to score more points and you need someone like Quade and Kurtley Beale, that's for sure."
Ella said should he be selected for Saturday's Test, Cooper can expect to face the same ire of All Black supporters than he did during last year’s World Cup.
"He tried to knee or elbow Richie McCaw a couple of times leading up to the World Cup.
"They gave him hell over there and if he's playing over there, you better believe it, every time he touches the ball he's going to get booed and harassed.
"I think Quade will play and it will be a real test of his endurance and mental toughness.
"Playing against New Zealand anywhere in the world is a pretty difficult task but playing them at home is even more so."
Ella also earmarked Kurtley Beale to make amends for his uncharacteristic poor performance at ANZ Stadium.
"Kurtley is a gifted footballer and he had one of those bad days. Well, he had a shocker, really.
"That's the way it goes. I've got no doubt Deans will give him another opportunity at Eden Park on Saturday. Kurtley is strong enough to bounce back, which I'm sure he will."
